Actor James Norton, who portrays Ormund Hightower in HBO's 'House of the Dragon,' has offered insight into the troubled relationship between his character and Prince Daeron Targaryen. Norton suggests that Ormund's interactions with Daeron, his ward and squire, are not only tense but also indicative of past abuse and a toxic dynamic.
During a scene in a recent episode, Ormund reacts violently to a scroll from Harrenhal, prompting Daeron to dismiss a servant. Norton explained that Daeron's quick action is an attempt to protect the servant from Ormund's explosive temper. "He’s protecting the servant because he knows what will happen when Ormund loses his mind," Norton stated.
Norton elaborated on the nature of their relationship, describing it as "complicated—and let’s be honest—abusive, toxic." He posits that Daeron, lacking a father figure or mentor in Oldtown apart from Ormund, has been "groomed essentially." This dynamic leads Daeron to act almost as a caretaker for Ormund, a role Norton believes explains why Daeron doesn't distance himself from his guardian's outbursts.
Despite the evident rage directed at him, Norton emphasized that a form of love must also be present for the relationship to be believable. He described their bond as having elements of Stockholm Syndrome, where Daeron, despite being a "victim of that rage and the target of it," also seeks affection from Ormund. Norton recalled a scene where, after a distressing moment, he embraced Daeron, who looked at him with apparent love, desperate for parental validation.
"He’s just desperate for a parent, and in that moment, it was very real," Norton said. "There’s so much complexity in that relationship, which was really wonderful to eke out."
The actor's comments shed light on the psychological depth explored in the series, particularly concerning the upbringing of Prince Daeron, who was sent to Oldtown by his mother, Alicent Hightower, to be raised away from King's Landing.